How to Use a Foot-Candle Meter

A foot-candle meter is a type of light meter which measures
the light intensity in your picture. These meters are actually very
simple to use and will help you to set the camera correctly and ensure
that the photograph is exposed correctly. The foot candle is a measure
of brightness which is a non SI unit. The definition of this unit is the
Lux per square foot.

These light meters will assist you to calculate the best lighting
required to light the picture or video scene correctly. This will make
it much easier to take the best photographs possible.

Step 1: Preparing the Meter

Most light meters have a number of different measurement modes which
will be useful for different purposes and needs. Turn on your meter and
check that the batteries still have enough charge to work correctly. If
you're not sure how to read the meter, then you should read the
instruction manual which came with your meter. Put it in the right mode
to measure foot candles. Normally it will be capable of measuring in Lux
and foot candles. The mode is normally adjusted by rotating a dial on
the meter itself.

Step 2: Positioning the Light Meter

Stand where your subject is holding your light meter and use this to
measure the light by pointing it towards the camera. These meters work
by having a plastic dome on top which gathers light and calculates the
foot candle intensity of light in the area. You need to point the
plastic dome towards the camera or hold it at the lights.

Step 3: Measuring

To measure the intensity of the light, press down the measurement
button when the meter is pointed towards the camera and in the same
light as the subject. Hold the button down until your meter confirms
that you have measured the light in that area correctly.

Step 4: Light Readings

The light reading will then be displayed on the meter. It should give
you the amount of light which falls on your subject in foot candles. It
should also be possible to press a button to convert the reading into
an f-stop aperture measurement which makes taking photos even easier.

Step 5: Measuring Lights

While the meter is normally used to measure the amount of light
falling on subjects, it can also be used to measure the intensity of
light falling from individual lights. This is very easy to do. Instead
of pointing the meter at the camera, you should point it towards the
light that you want to measure. By measuring the light, it will be much
easier to ensure that the photograph is correctly exposed and that it
looks perfect.

Remember that the light meter will not measure movements in
background lighting. You might still need to test and tweak your
lighting to get the best results. A light meter is a must have for
anyone trying to take photographs or videos, whether they are working
indoors or outdoors.